A Bath man who attempted to engage in sexual communications with individuals he believed to be underage girls has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Alexander Savery, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts of attempting to communicate sexually with a child during a hearing at Bath Magistrates' Court. The offences occurred in 2024 and involved conversations with what he believed were three different girls aged between 13 and 14. In reality, the individuals were members of a vigilante group posing as minors.
During one chat with a decoy known as Olivia, who stated she was 13, Savery inquired about her age and expressed surprise at how young she was. Nonetheless, he continued to ask inappropriate questions about her being alone and physical development, eventually sending an explicit image.
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In a later encounter with another decoy, Layla, who claimed to be 14, he complimented her appearance and again sent a sexually explicit picture. He also discussed plans to meet when she was visiting Bath for the summer holidays. Details of exchanges with the third decoy were not disclosed in court.
Savery, from Kaynton Mead, appeared in court visibly remorseful, often lowering his head during proceedings. He was dressed in black jeans, a white T-shirt, and a navy jacket.
His defence solicitor, Will Palmer, highlighted that Savery had accepted responsibility at the earliest opportunity and noted his role as a carer. Mr Palmer added, “In my view, this is not a man who will reoffend.”
Savery received a 12-month jail sentence for each offence, to run concurrently, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and must complete 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. As he has no previous convictions, the court also ordered him to pay £272 in total, covering a surcharge and court costs.